Ruth Ocumarez Apataño
Former beauty queen, actress and model.
Born in Santo Domingo, Ruth became an icon in her nation by becoming the first woman of predominantly African heritage to represent the Dominican Republic in the widely popular Miss Universe pageant. Due to her exuberant charm and complexion, she was given the nickname la diosa de ébano (the Ebony Goddess) by the Dominican, Puerto Rican Public and the international press.
At the 2002 Miss Universe pageant held in Puerto Rico, Ruth was considered by many to be surely chosen as one of the semifinalists in that event. Due to her personality, charm, and excellent interviewing skills, many pageant enthusiasts felt that the Dominican Republic had a chance in winning its first title in this international event. However,  she was not selected causing many Internet users and bogglers to coin the term the Ruth Ocumárez Award. The term is used to classify  a pageant contestant who seems guaranteed to be selected as a finalist, but doesn't make the list at the end.
After her reign was over, Ruth entered the world of modeling where she appeared in many Dominican, European, American and Puerto Rican print and visual media. She also branched out into acting, starring in the Dominican film Perico Ripiao. Besides her work in film, Ocumárez also has experience as a television hostess on Puerto Rican and Dominican television..

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